JUCO transfer will have three years of eligibility with the Sun Devils

The Arizona State football team got some much needed help along the defensive line with the commitment of junior college transfer Tautala Pesefea Jr. over the weekend.

The standout from American River Community College in Sacramento, Calif. was in attendance for the Sun Devils spring practices Friday and Saturday and made his decision after his visit to Tempe. He will be a sophomore in the fall with four years to complete his three years of eligibility.

Pesefea, 6-foot-4, 304-pounds, had Division I offers out of Foothill High School from the likes of UC Davis and nearby Sacramento State but opted to attend the community college in hopes of raising his stock and getting higher profile offers.

His addition fills an immediate need as ASU lost a handful of players who decided to leave as graduate transfers including Darius Slade and Jalen Bates, with Bates recently deciding to move to Colorado State.

The defections and some injuries to players who are expected to be healthy by the fall left ASU practicing with as few as five healthy defensive linemen, which included sophomore Corey Stephens who moved from offense to defense out of necessity.

There are two defensive lineman among the 18 high school players who previously signed — Stephon Wright our of LA Cathedral, who has also at last weekend's practices, and Amiri Johnson out of Pomona Diamond Ranch (Calif.).

The Arizona State University football team practiced in Tempe, Tuesday, February 26, 2019. Quarterback Ethan Long takes the snap as offensive linemen Jarrett Bell, left, and Dohnovan West, prepare to block. Tom Tingle/The Republic

Quarterback Langston Frederick hands off the ball to running back Isaiah Floyd during a drill at ASU spring football practice in the Verde Dickey Dome in Tempe on February 21. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Left to right: Joey Yellen, Ethan Long, Jayden Daniels, and Dillon Sterling-Cole line up for a passing drill during practice on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, at the Verde Dickey Dome in Tempe, Ariz. Sean Logan/The Republic

Left to right: Joey Yellen, Ethan Long, Jayden Daniels, and Dillon Sterling-Cole line up for a passing drill during practice on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, at the Verde Dickey Dome in Tempe, Ariz. Sean Logan/The Republic